Bandung, March 22, 2024 – A delegation from Konan University, Japan, embarked on a significant visit to Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia to foster an extension of faculty partnerships. The purpose of this visitation was to cultivate a robust cultural exchange program between Indonesian and Japanese cultures. The delegation consisted of Konan University students Sayaka Yosue, Yuuki Takami, Akiya Tanaka, Ryoma Mori, Mana Wakabayashi, and Haruto Ogata, along with a faculty member.
The arrival of the Konan University students was met with warm hospitality at the airport by the Liaison Officer, Azzu, an English Education student. Over the course of one week, a plethora of activities centered around cultural exploration took place. The itinerary commenced with a visit by Konan University students to the Japanese Language Education study program, where a Forum Group Discussion on Japanese and Indonesian student life ensued. This was followed by Indonesian language learning sessions conducted by BIPA lecturers and a presentation on Japanese culture, featuring Yukata and Origami, at the Management study program. Additionally, the students from Konan University showcased posters elucidating various aspects of Japanese life, including Arubaito, youth trends, and cultural nuances, alongside engaging in a webinar organized by the English Education Study Program to share insights into Japanese life and culture with their Indonesian counterparts.
Furthermore, as part of an effort to deepen their understanding of international affairs, the Konan University students visited the Asian-African Conference Museum and strolled along the iconic Jalan Braga, a bustling tourist thoroughfare. Immersing themselves in local culture, the delegation experienced Sundanese traditions firsthand at Saung Angklung Udjo.
To broaden their horizons on educational practices, the Konan University students visited two prominent schools in Bandung, namely SMK Negeri 1 Bandung and SMA Negeri 1 Bandung, where they imparted knowledge about the Indonesian education system and sparked enthusiasm among local students for learning foreign languages, particularly Japanese. The visitation was met with palpable excitement from Indonesian students.
The impact of this exchange program was profound, fostering heightened motivation and insight for both participating universities. “This program should undoubtedly be sustained, whether through reciprocal visits or otherwise,” remarked Azzu, an English Education student from the class of 2020. (Insany Priandi)